Historic Prisoner Exchange: 1000 Ukrainian Soldiers Return Home

Ukraine and Russia Complete Major Prisoner Exchange: 1000 for 1000 A large-scale prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia concluded its first phase on May 24, 2025, marking a significant event in the ongoing conflict. The exchange involved 1000 Ukrainian and 1000 Russian prisoners of war, with the first stage of the exchange taking place at the border with Belarus. Irina Kryninа, a representative of an organization dedicated to locating missing Ukrainian soldiers, provided an eyewitness account from the scene. "This is a historic exchange, the largest in the history of the war," Kryninа stated, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the moment. She described the scene near the hospital where the released Ukrainian soldiers were taken as one of overwhelming relief and joy. The video footage shows the released Ukrainian soldiers arriving in buses, their faces filled with a mix of relief, exhaustion, and happiness. Many of the soldiers had been held captive for extended periods, some since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The video also depicts heartwarming reunions between released soldiers and their families, underscoring the human cost of the war. The exchange is a testament to ongoing diplomatic efforts and the hope for resolution in the conflict. The successful completion of the first phase offers a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing hostilities.